Following a difficult regular season finale, Ohio State hopes to pick up steam in the Big Ten tournament.
Following a Difficult Regular Season Finale, Ohio State Hopes to Pick Up Steam in the Big Ten Tournament
As the Ohio State Buckeyes head into the 2025 Big Ten Tournament, the team finds itself in a pivotal moment. After a difficult regular-season finale, the Buckeyes are looking to regain their form and build momentum as they enter the postseason. With a challenging schedule and a rollercoaster of performances during the regular season, Ohio State’s hopes now rest on their ability to turn the page and focus on tournament play. This year’s Big Ten Tournament is critical for the Buckeyes to not only salvage their season but also to secure a potential spot in the NCAA Tournament.
Ohio State’s season has been a mixed bag of highs and lows, with promising wins followed by disappointing losses. But as is often the case in college basketball, the opportunity for redemption comes in the form of the postseason. The Big Ten Tournament is known for its intense competition, and anything can happen in March. For the Buckeyes, it’s about finding their rhythm again and playing their best basketball when it matters most.
The Regular Season Finale: A Bitter Ending
Before diving into Ohio State’s prospects in the Big Ten Tournament, it’s essential to understand the context of their regular-season struggles. The Buckeyes entered their final regular-season game hoping to secure a much-needed win that would bolster their standing and potentially improve their seeding for both the Big Ten Tournament and the NCAA Tournament. Unfortunately, they ended the season on a tough note, with a loss to a fellow Big Ten contender, which cast a shadow over their otherwise solid but inconsistent season.
In that game, Ohio State faced a team that had been firing on all cylinders. Despite an impressive performance from some of their star players, the Buckeyes were unable to put together a complete game. Issues that had plagued the team throughout the season—such as inconsistent shooting, turnovers, and lapses in defensive intensity—reared their ugly heads once again, making it difficult for Ohio State to sustain any momentum against a highly competitive opponent.
This loss was a bitter pill to swallow for head coach Chris Holtmann and the team, especially given the high expectations that had surrounded Ohio State entering the season. Many had hoped for a more consistent run and a higher seeding in the Big Ten Tournament. Nonetheless, the Buckeyes are well aware that their regular-season struggles are now behind them. What matters is how they respond to adversity and whether they can channel their frustrations into a renewed focus for the tournament.
The Big Ten Tournament: A New Beginning
The beauty of the Big Ten Tournament is that it offers every team, no matter their regular-season record, a fresh start. Ohio State, with its ups and downs throughout the season, now has the opportunity to reset and prove its mettle against some of the best teams in the country. While they may have faltered at times during the regular season, the Big Ten Tournament is a new challenge, one that presents a chance for redemption and a renewed sense of purpose.
Ohio State enters the tournament knowing that their back is against the wall. Their postseason fate could very well depend on how far they can go in the Big Ten Tournament. For some players, this could be the final opportunity to prove their worth in the eyes of scouts and selection committee members. For others, it’s about finding a way to close out their college careers on a high note.
Key Players for Ohio State’s Postseason Push
The Buckeyes have several key players who will need to step up if they hope to make a deep run in the Big Ten Tournament. While the team has been inconsistent throughout the regular season, there are players who have shown the potential to lead Ohio State in the postseason.
Zed Key – The Rock in the Middle
Zed Key has been a constant for the Buckeyes all season. As one of the team’s best inside players, Key has had to shoulder a significant portion of the offensive load. His presence in the paint, both offensively and defensively, is essential for Ohio State to succeed. The team will rely on him to provide rebounding, scoring, and leadership in the tournament. Key’s ability to control the paint and set the tone on both ends of the floor will be crucial for Ohio State’s success in the tournament.
Brice Sensabaugh – The Dynamic Scorer
Brice Sensabaugh has been Ohio State’s most dynamic scorer this season, providing an offensive spark whenever needed. Sensabaugh has shown an ability to take over games, particularly when the team struggles offensively. He’s proven to be a versatile scorer who can create his own shot, drive to the basket, and knock down key three-pointers. In the Big Ten Tournament, Sensabaugh will need to stay aggressive and efficient in order to help Ohio State break through tough defenses. His scoring ability could be the difference-maker in several tournament games.
Roddy Gayle Jr. – A Two-Way Player
Roddy Gayle Jr. has shown promise as one of Ohio State’s more well-rounded players. While he may not always grab the spotlight, Gayle’s ability to contribute on both ends of the floor makes him an important piece of the puzzle. His defensive prowess will be vital as the Buckeyes try to limit the high-powered offenses they will face in the tournament. Offensively, Gayle has the potential to step up and hit timely shots. His ability to make plays on both sides of the ball could be a difference-maker in close tournament games.
Justice Sueing – A Veteran Leader
As one of the veterans on the roster, Justice Sueing brings valuable experience and leadership to the table. While his offensive contributions may not always be as consistent as others, his leadership and ability to stay composed under pressure will be important for Ohio State. Sueing’s experience in big games could help steady the ship for the Buckeyes, especially if they find themselves in tight situations during tournament play.
Areas of Focus for Ohio State
To make a run in the Big Ten Tournament, Ohio State will need to address several key areas that have been problematic throughout the season.
Shooting Consistency
One of the primary struggles for Ohio State this season has been its shooting consistency. The Buckeyes have had stretches where they shoot the ball extremely well, but they’ve also had games where they can’t buy a basket. In a tournament setting, where every possession counts, Ohio State must find a way to be more consistent offensively. This could mean better ball movement, improved shot selection, and reliance on their playmakers like Sensabaugh and Sueing to get quality looks.
Turnover Issues
Another area of concern for Ohio State has been its tendency to turn the ball over in critical moments. Whether it’s forcing passes, poor decision-making, or simply being out of sync, the Buckeyes have given up too many easy opportunities for opponents to capitalize on. Limiting turnovers will be essential in the tournament, as turnovers often lead to fast-break opportunities and easy points for the opposition. Ohio State needs to take care of the basketball and make smarter decisions in transition.
Defensive Effort and Intensity
While Ohio State’s offense has had its highs and lows, the team’s defense has also been a point of concern. The Buckeyes have shown flashes of defensive brilliance but have also had lapses that allowed teams to get easy baskets. For Ohio State to have a chance in the tournament, they must bring consistent effort on the defensive end of the floor. Players like Roddy Gayle Jr. and Zed Key will need to lock down opposing players and make it difficult for teams to score in the paint and on the perimeter.
Depth and Rotation
Depth could be another factor that affects Ohio State’s ability to make a deep run in the Big Ten Tournament. Coach Holtmann will need to rely on his bench players to step up in moments when the starters need rest or when certain matchups dictate a change in style. The Buckeyes have shown they have depth, but players like Bruce Thornton and Sean McNeil need to be ready to contribute in meaningful minutes. Ohio State can’t afford to be too reliant on their starting five and will need a collective team effort to succeed in the tournament.
The Path Ahead: Key Matchups in the Big Ten Tournament
Ohio State enters the Big Ten Tournament with a lot of work ahead of them, but the beauty of this time of year is that anything can happen. The Buckeyes have the talent to make a deep run, but they’ll need to execute on both ends of the floor. The path to a championship will not be easy, as Ohio State could face off against some of the top teams in the conference, including Purdue, Indiana, and Michigan State. However, if Ohio State can find their rhythm and play to their potential, they are capable of making a significant run.
The first few games of the Big Ten Tournament will set the tone for Ohio State’s postseason aspirations. A win or two early on could give the team the confidence they need to carry momentum into the later rounds. And with a little bit of luck, they could put themselves in a position to claim the Big Ten Tournament title.
